Amanda Balionis Reacts as PGA Tour Pro Keeps His Promise at the WM Phoenix Open
SILVIS, IL - JULY 11: CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis is on the CBS set during the final round of the John Deere Classic on July 11, 2021 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUL 11 PGA, Golf Herren - John Deere Classic Icon210711124
SILVIS, IL - JULY 11: CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis is on the CBS set during the final round of the John Deere Classic on July 11, 2021 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUL 11 PGA, Golf Herren - John Deere Classic Icon210711124
Joel Dahmen posted a chip-in birdie in round one at TPC Scottsdale during the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. CBS’s Amanda Balionis wasted no time posting about it, referencing a promise he made about getting too carried away while celebrating.
Taking to Instagram, Balionis shared the visual of Dahmen picking up his ball and throwing it to the howling crowd. However, this time he didn’t take off his shirt as he did alongside Harry Higgs at the par-3 16th in 2022.
Reflecting on the celebration, Balionis wrote in her story, “A chip-in birdie for [Joel Dahmen] on 16, who got in on a sponsor's exemption this week. He promised to keep his shirt on unless 'directed otherwise,' and he kept that promise.”
This was in reference to Dahmen’s statement a few days ago. He stated, “If granted an exemption in 2026, I can confidently say I plan to keep my shirt on at all times.” But that also depended on the host of the tournament, Thunderbirds.
DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 02: Joel Dahmen talks with his caddie, Geno Bonnalie on the 12th hole during Friday s round at The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Country Club on June 2, 2023 in Dublin, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUN 02 PGA, Golf Herren - the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230602015
DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 02: Joel Dahmen talks with his caddie, Geno Bonnalie on the 12th hole during Friday s round at The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Country Club on June 2, 2023 in Dublin, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUN 02 PGA, Golf Herren - the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230602015
After all, the PGA Tour didn't really approve of his shirt-off celebration in 2022, sending a friendly reminder about the conduct they expected shortly after the event.
She continued, “Can’t wait to be out there on Saturday all day alongside [Colt Knost] & [Johnson Wagner].”
Amanda Balionis Is Returning but With Fewer Responsibilities
The CBS reporter spent her off-season away from the golf course and focused on recovery and rest. Her presence certainly contributed to CBS’s viewership, increasing the numbers by 17%.
After a brief off-season, she is returning to the broadcast. Announcing her return (round three at Farmers Insurance Open), Amanda Balionis shared an Instagram Story.
“One more sleep until we are back on @golfoncbs! See you all tomorrow,” she wrote. Besides being relieved from her duties as a walking reporter, Balionis will cover about 12 to 18 events.
Dahmen’s viral moment and Balionis’ return added fresh energy to the Phoenix Open broadcast.
You can read more at Club Golf!
Written by
Krushna Pattnaik
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi